Australia MelbourneVictorian & Melbourne Sesqui-centenary medal 1985 (AD)Mint: AmorOther Details: A gilt medal issued by M.R. Roberts to commemorate the sesquicentenary of Victoria and Melbourne. It features the bust of Edward Henty, considered the first settler in Victoria, and names John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner. In May 1835, a syndicate led by John Batman explored Port Phillip Bay, looking for suitable sites for a settlement. Batman claimed to have signed a 'treaty' with Aboriginal leaders, giving him ownership of almost 250,000 hectares of land. Three months later, another syndicate of farmers, led by John Pascoe Fawkner, entered the Yarra River aboard the Enterprize, establishing the first permanent settlement. New South Wales Governor Richard Bourke declared Batman's treaty illegal and the settlers to be trespassers. But within two years, more than 350 people and 55 000 sheep had landed, and the squatters were establishing large wool-growing properties in the district. Bourke was forced to accept the rapidly growing township.